Design of nano-carbide heterogeneous catalysts as substitute for noble metals

This proposal aims to investigate the structural evolution of Mo-W carbide catalysts during acetylene hydrogenation under multiple reactivation cycles using in situ HERFD-XAS at the W L¿ edge. TMCs, particularly Mo-W carbides, offer promising alternatives to noble metal catalysts due to their unique metallic and acidic/oxophilic functionalities. Our preliminary HERFD-XAS studies combined with MCR-ALS analysis have demonstrated the ability to distinguish carbide phases, providing critical insights into phase transformations and electronic structure changes not captured by conventional techniques. Using the high brightness and resolution of the FAME-UHD beamline, we will correlate structural modifications with catalytic performance, focusing on the role of reactivation in enhancing selectivity. The proposed beam time will enable us to perform detailed in situ studies, validating the importance of preparation methods and reactivation strategies in tuning catalytic properties.